Eight-Speed Automatic on the way from Hyundai

Lexus set the tone, developing an automatic transmission with the highest number of forward speeds available for production car use. Its ultra-smooth eight-speed automatic gearbox was first developed for the LS 460 sedan and has since become available in other V8-powered, rear-drive cars across the line, delivering stronger performance and improved fuel economy simultaneously. Since its debut, both BMW and Mercedes-Benz have been hard at work adding forward gears to their multi-speed transmissions, as, we now find out, has been Hyundai.

Nothing seems to be stopping the South Korean brand that is busy transforming its image from bargain basement wannabe to a premium-level luxury/performance somebody. The automaker’s new Genesis luxury sedan takes on the premium elite for tens of thousands less, but like BMW’s 5-and 7-Series models it makes due with only a six-speed automatic. It was unlikely anyone complained about its six-speed gearbox, as it’s still considered to be top-line technology for the entry-level set, but Hyundai is no longer a company that waits around for murmuring in the ranks before upgrading to newer technologies.

The Asian firm turned to its own Hyundai Powertech Company to develop the new eight-speed gearbox, confirmed by Asia Pulse magazine. While the Genesis is a likely recipient, the transmission will most likely be used first in the company’s home market VI flagship mode, the replacement for the Equus.

The new transmission is expected to arrive on the market in 2010, with multiple model use by 2012, according to Asia Pulse.